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Ray Blackburn
12 years ago

As a young boy I was friends with John Cowpe and often spent time at their house in Carlisle Ave. I was always in awe of Fred, but always felt welcome. I remember distinctly the shrapnel that was in a display case that had been removed from Fred. It was not till later on in life and some war service of my own that I found out about Freds life. A real genuine Aussie hero and one of a rare kind. My condolences to his family. Kind Regards Ray Blackburn

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Ray Blackburn
12 years ago

As a young boy I was friends with John Cowpe and often spent time at their house in Carlisle Ave. I was always in awe of Fred, but always felt welcome. I remember distinctly the shrapnel that was in a display case that had been removed from Fred. It was not till later on in life and some war service of my own that I found out about Freds life. A real genuine Aussie hero and one of a rare kind. My condolences to his family. Kind Regards Ray Blackburn

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Ray Blackburn
12 years ago

As a young boy I was friends with John Cowpe and often spent time at their house in Carlisle Ave. I was always in awe of Fred, but always felt welcome. I remember distinctly the shrapnel that was in a display case that had been removed from Fred. It was not till later on in life and some war service of my own that I found out about Freds life. A real genuine Aussie hero and one of a rare kind. My condolences to his family. Kind Regards Ray Blackburn

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Martin Jackson
12 years ago

Fred was a highly regarded member of the RAAF/Rhodesia Association, after opting to train in Rhodesia for the opportunity to go big game hunting. He was a strong character who stood out in his Draft, always positive about life, and wanting to enjoy it. He shared his Spitfire in 453 with his fellow Rhodesian trainee Rod 'Froggy' Lyall, and spent many months in hospital, lucky to survive his wounds (the legacy of which remained with him for life). Fred was an enthusiastic starter at Annual Reunions in Victoria, and lent support when he could no longer attend. Always cheerful, he loved dancing and music (playing and listening), and was always interested in other people's life. Fred had a 'great life', and he deserved every minute of it! We could all learn something from Fred's modest, positive and down to earth approach. Condolences to Carleen and family from his remaining Draft members 'Dusty' Lane and Bill Matheson, together with Martin Jackson and all other members of the RAAF/Rhodesia Association

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james nolan
12 years ago

I knew Fred as the "Met Bloke" at RAAF Richmond just as an ordinary decent kind of bloke and as i became to know him better, I felt that he was working very hard to maintain his ordinariness so much so that it made him unique. Before one ANZAC Day with much questioning, I gained that Fred was going to march with the RAAF and only then did I find out that he was not only aircrew but a pilot who flew Spittys in the old dart until after "D" day. Only after years of prodding did I ever get his service history but I had already determined that he was a man to be admired. Fred maintained until his death that he only did what every decent real Australian would have done had they been in his circumstances. Well done Fred thou good and faithful servant of the Australian people Rest in Peace..... James Nolan Pilot ex - 5 Squadron RAAF

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james nolan
12 years ago

I knew Fred as the "Met Bloke" at RAAF Richmond just as an ordinary decent kind of bloke and as i became to know him better, I felt that he was working very hard to maintain his ordinariness so much so that it made him unique. Before one ANZAC Day with much questioning, I gained that Fred was going to march with the RAAF and only then did I find out that he was not only aircrew but a pilot who flew Spittys in the old dart until after "D" day. Only after years of prodding did I ever get his service history but I had already determined that he was a man to be admired. Fred maintained until his death that he only did what every decent real Australian would have done had they been in his circumstances. Well done Fred thou good and faithful servant of the Australian people Rest in Peace..... James Nolan Pilot ex - 5 Squadron RAAF

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Philip Weir
12 years ago

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Philip Weir
12 years ago

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Philip Weir
12 years ago

I originally heard about Fred from my wife, Marilyn Plows, who was given a lift by him back in the 1950's, She remarked that she had never ridden in a car with a heater before. I then met him when I became involved with the Mt Druitt Historical Society back around 1975. He was always a pleasure to reminisce with, not only about his war experiences, but the day to day experiences and wisdom he had attained over many years. He is one of the last of a dying breed and i (we) are grateful for his years of dedication to Australia and the commonwealth.

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Sharyn Wineberg
12 years ago

My mother introduced me to Fred. He and Rene attended Mum's 80th, and they were both such fun. I had the opportunity to sit with Fred at a number of RAAFA functions, and drove he and Carleen to Windsor once. It took me some time to discover what a war hero he was - I just knew him as a really nice man, but was then very proud to be able to say, 'I know Fred, you know'. Today, Mum called me while I was attending the Cenotaph service for Battle of Britain to say she had heard Carleen ring Ray Hadley with news of Fred's death. I quickly passed on the information to RAAFA's President and others. The sad news of Fred's passing was announced to all that attended the Battle of Britain luncheon, and his last letter to apologise for his non-attendance was read to all. There weren't many dry eyes in the house. I am sorry that Mum and I will not be able to attend Fred's funeral, but our thoughts are with him and all his family. Have a good time, Fred, on the 'other side'. Lots of love from Sharyn and Rae Wineberg

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Bruce Wright
12 years ago

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Bruce Wright
12 years ago

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